Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-04-21

to myself, and I proceeded to dress.
But l soon changed my mind. Ny I'M
supported testimony would not be re-
garded. Judge Pike was grave, digni-
fed man, past middle age, and he was
greatly respected by the miners. It
would be folly on my part to tell any one
of my adventure.
The second day of the trial developed
a strong case against Luff Jas strong a case
as circumstantial evidence could make it.
In the meantime I perfected plan which
hoped would lead to surprising results.
My roommate that night was DR.. Hin
ton, one of the oldest and wealthiest
physicians of the place. The Doctor
was popular man. He had been Mayor
of Silverton, and he was, moreover, a
life long friend of Judge Pike. I could
not have selected better man for my
purpose.
| Again the moon flooded the room with
light as on the previous night. I arrang-
ed the bedclothes in the shape of a
human figure, and stationed myself be-
hind the screen with DR.. Hinton.
Twelve o'clock came, and l, but we re-
manned undisturbed.
"He is not coming" whispered the
Doctor.
perhaps not" answered, "but I feel
in duty bound to watch"
VERY WE'LL" yawned the Doctor, IT am
with you, but we did rot go to work in
the right way"
ssWhat would have been your plan?" I
asked.
"Why, simply this. We should have
concealed ourselves in the corridor and
watched his door. When he came out we
could have followed him at little dis
tance. As it is, he may visit another
room and in that event our time Will be
lost.'
cit is all very well to suggest that
now" | answered, "but there are objec-
tiQns to your plan. The guests who
found us prowling about the corridor
would have found it necessary to let too
reasonable to suppose that the force of
habit will draw the Judge to the same
place. This room is next the one in
which the murder occurred, and if my
theory is correct your friend was MAX
ing for that room last night. Finding
it securely fastened-you know it has
been nailed up since the inquest-he
tried the next door, which is mine. If
go over the same track
oThere is something in that" said my
companion; ''but I hope that he will not
come. Think of the effect upon his
mind if our suspicious should turn out
to be the TRUTH
"Hush!' whispered.
The door creaked little, and white
robed figure entered.
'It is the Judge!" said the Doctor I'M
der his breath.
And it was the Judge. It was plainly
evident in the moonlight that he was
asleep, but his features were twitching
convulsively. In his right hand he car
ried the dagger.
Swiftly, and yet without making the
slightest noise, the sleepwalker approach
ed the bed, and stretching forth one
hand commenced cautiously feeling.
When his hand rested upon the sham
figure he delivered the same rapid thrust
with the dagger that [ had with essed the
night before, and fled from the room.
DR.. Hinton was cool man when there
was work to do. He signaled to me, and
ran after the judge, following him int o
his room.
Judge Pike closed his door and faced
us. For a moment I thought he was
awake, but [ soon saw that he was uncon-
scious. He went to his trunk, and lifting
its contents carefully, placed the dagger
at the bottom. Then he threw himself
| into an armchair.
II hate to do it," said DR.. Hilton, 'but
it must be DONE"
He advanced to the chair and shook the
sleeping man.
"How dare you'll" he exclaimed. ''What
does this mean? Why, gentlemen this is
strange. How is it that you are in my
room?"
He looked down at his costume. and
buried his face in his hands.
''Have I been Ill?" he asked.
''My FRIEND" said the Doctor, II am
about to bring great sorrow upon you,
but know you are brave enough to bear
the truth. What I have to say does not
reflect upon your character, and it is
necessary that you should know it,"
"Speak!" husky commanded the
Judge.
''May I open your trunk a moment?'
asked the Doctor.
Certainly" was the reply; "make
yourself at home"
The Doctor drew from the bottom of
the trunk the dagger.
'How did that get there?" was the
Judges stern question. II have no
weapons. I never saw that before"
The Doctor held the dagger up. On
its handle was engraved the name of John
Luff.
"This calls for an explanation, sir, said
Judge Pike, with an angry look.
"Tell him." SAID the Doctor turning to
me.
1t was the hardest task OF my life, but
in some confusion | managed to tell the
story. In the middle of it the Doctor
came to my rescue, and, with his arm
around his friends neck, he told him al
the events of the night
The judges face assumed a CHASTITY
pallor, and several times I expected tc
see him faint. He took the dagger in nii
, hand and looked at the name.
81 understand it ALL" he groaned.
} He threw the dagger on the floor.
''Gentlemen," said he, sadly, 'Ieave me
now. Let me sleep if l can. In the
: | ruiE ha